Frequently Asked Questions
Custom Home Build FAQS
As experienced custom home builders, we understand that creating your dream home involves many questions and important decisions.
Whether you are curious about our building process, design options, or the timeline for your project, we are here to provide you with the answers and guidance you need.
Our commitment to transparency and communication ensures that you are well-informed every step of the way.
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about how we can help you build the perfect custom home tailored to your vision.
If your question isn’t answered here, please reach out to us - we would love to answer any questions or concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
This is probably the most frequently asked question, but also the most difficult to answer. There are a large number of factors that go into determining the overall cost of a custom home. A typical piling home averages about $400/ sf for living space, this can adjust lower or higher depending on piling material, wood or concrete, construction type, wood framed, ICF (insulated concrete form), SIP (structural insulated panels), Concrete block, size and finishing of decks, and interior finishes to name a few. A home built on a slab will average $275/ sf. These prices do not include the price of the lot. Many extras are also not included but can be included in the build contract these include items such as pools and seawalls. We can provide rough estimates of cost but prefer to wait until and complete plan with engineering is ready.
-
The design process takes approximately 3 to 6 months. After design approval and county permit approval a custom piling home typically takes 12 months, depending on the complexity and size it could be less or slightly more time. The majority of our homes are completed within the 12 month timeframe. A slab traditional construction home will average 10 month build time.
-
Keith and Jenn are a husband and wife team that treat each home build as their own. With over 28 years of experience in the construction industry they know all aspects of the build and demand quality construction. They clearly and confidently communicate with their clients and explain the project as it develops answering the many questions that arise. This may be the first and only time you ever build your own home and Keith and Jenn will make this process as easy as possible. Both Keith and Jenn are Florida state certified contractors. Between them they hold 3 licenses general contractor, building contractor and specialty roofing contractor.
-
Most of our clients have already chosen and purchased a lot, but if you need help finding the perfect lot we have many real estate agents that can assist you.
-
Although we do not provide design services, we have a vast network of architects and engineers we work closely with to assist you in this important process. Most design can be done via phone calls and email, but it is always nice to meet the designer in person for the initial meeting as they have a large array of existing plans which may fit your needs.
-
We realize it is difficult to decide on a plan and components without a sense of cost, we can offer a rough price per SF based on a discussion with you so you can determine if your dream home size and style fits in your budget.
-
Building a custom home will most likely be your most expensive endeavor and you want to be sure you are protected. This starts with hiring a Florida state licensed contractor who is fully insured, experienced and reputable.
Feeling comfortable with your contractor is very important, they will be the main contact for all decisions including hiring subcontractors. We will provide you with references, many of our clients enjoy sharing their experience with us and also providing tours of their homes.
We ensure we only hire experienced, licensed and insured subcontractors. You should purchase a builders risk insurance policy, if you are financing your build the financial institution will require this insurance.
Flood insurance can be purchased as the build processes and is typically required by your financial institution. Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers can file a notice to owner (NTO) with the county on your home to ensure they receive payment. This notice must be filed within 45 days of starting work, or material delivery. The notice is sent to the owner via certified letter, your general contractor and financial institution also receive a copy of the NTO. This is not an actual lien just a notice required by Florida law that must be sent if the submitter would be allowed to file an actual lien on your property.
Again, if you are working with a financial institution they will assist through the lien process to ensure all notices of lien are waived before the closing of the build. -
We provide a one year warranty on parts and labor on our homes. Many components of the home come with an extended warranty such as appliances, Hvac unit(s), roofing, etc beyond the one year.
-
Choosing the location of your home is usually your first step. Many of our clients drive around and find styles of homes they like to determine an exterior design and then decide the size of home, how many bedrooms and baths. Having a lot is paramount prior to design as the shape of the lot and property line setbacks can greatly influence the shape and height allowable for the home.
-
We are here to assist you through the choosing of finishes if you want our services, we also have design professionals that can help in choosing tile, flooring and cabinets.
-
Allowances are provided for specific design finishes such as cabinets, flooring, appliances, lighting and plumbing fixtures to name a few. We will establish an allowance for each category based on a discussion of your style choices. The allowance schedule is included in the contract and these figures are part of the contract price. If you go over the allowance quota it is an extra cost above the contract if you spend less this will be deducted from the contract total. We can order and handle all aspects of the allowance items, but many of our clients prefer to purchase these items at their leisure and when they find something they like on sale or when they find a one-of-a-kind item.
-
Some changes can be easily made during the build process. Some changes require approval of the engineer and architect especially if it has to do with structural changes. Changes do impact the final cost and will be discussed prior to the change being implemented.